Kealakekua, Hawaii– A pilot and sole passenger aboard an ultralight aircraft that crashed into Kealakekua Bay on Wednesday morning have both been killed.
Police say 38-year-old Tedd Robert Hecklin, owner of Tedd’s Flying Adventures in Kailua-Kona, and his female passenger, 37-year-old Kathryn Grace Moran of Kailua-Kona, were recovered from the scene and pronounced dead at Kona Communtiy Hospital. Police say they were the only people on the flight.
The Fire Department received a report of the crash at 9:36 a.m., 20 minutes after the Airborne Outback XT-912 SST Tundra micro-light aircraft departed from the Kona airport.
Police say eyewitnesses on commercial boat tours in Kealakekua Bay said the aircraft was banking left when they heard a loud popping sound, observed the aircraft’s wing fold up and then saw the plane fall into the ocean.
Officials say occupants from the commercial boats trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempted CPR on the pilot and passenger but were unsuccessful at reviving them. The victims were transported to the Kealakekua boat ramp, before they were taken to the hospital where they were pronounced dead.
According to remarks by the fire personnel who were the first county responders on the scene, “2 zodiacs from Captain Zodiac first on scene, they recover the male first and load him on board, kayakers in area assist w/ CPR. Captain Zodiac crew recover female and load her on Dolphin Discovery zodiac, CPR in progress as both zodiacs head to Napoopoo pier to meet up w/ HFD.”
“Mahalos and Aloha to Captain Zodiac and Dolphin Discovery crews and to the kayakers for their assistance,” said the fire crew in the written report.
Autopsies have been ordered to determine the exact cause of both deaths.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been notified of the aircraft accident.
[mappress]
BIVN –
You don’t know how close I was to taking a “junket tour” of the Big Island with this guy.
I’m counting my blessings.
I was one of the ones who pulled Ms. Moran into the Dolphin Discovery. I just wanted to say to her family and friends that my thoughts, heart and prayers go out to you all, and I am sorry that we couldn’t have done more for her. I am extremely sorry for your loss.
Tedd was a great friend of mine–I taught him to fly years ago. He was always smart and careful.
Tedd was also an accomplished martial artist.
VERY in appropriate Damon!
This is a tragic event in an aircraft that is more tested and certified than any other trike in the world. My heart goes out to the families of both Kathryn and Tedd a sad loss I am sure for you all.
Webbo
this is very tragic , It was Kathryns birthday when the ultra light crashed and lost her life.
R.I.P. Kathryn Grace Moran
Katie was my older cousin who I always looked up to. She was so beautiful, sweet and had the most contagious laugh. I wish I would have told her more how much I looked up to her. Imagining her at peace, having a much-awaited chat with her mom, makes this news a little less difficult to bear. Jennifer– on behalf of the Moran family, thank you for your effort and your kind words.
We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to ride with Tedd just last month. He was a superb pilot and an amazing individual. He spoke of his son with such love and our hearts go out to that son and to the rest of Tedd’s family. R.I.P. friend.
Thank you so much Jennifer. Katie is our cousin and was a beautiful person. Your courage is so much appreciated. Thank you for your kind words. It is comforting to know that there were people who reacted and tried to help both of them. Our loss is great, but we appreciate your effort. Thank you so much.
I grew up with Katie in Simi Valley, CA. She was our neighbor, and literally would hang out at our house almost every single day for years and years. I bought her 1987 VW Jetta from her. I haven’t spoken to her in a long time, but she’s always had a special place in my heart. This tragedy is almost too much to fathom. My heart goes out to her siblings Tricia and Mickey. Katie was an incredible woman, and this world was robbed of her much too early.